Documentary Tips 1. Remember to include any music played, even as background in the bibliography 2. Don't try to be too "glitzy", too many special effects do not always contribute to the message 3. Be sure to include the theme in the very beginning or opening to your film 4. Think of this as a factual film account of the topics not a docudrama 5. Check your dates, names, pronouncations for accuracy! 6. Film-makers should not appear on screen or perform on film- this is a documentary not a performance 7. Be sure all images are clear, croped well, and appropriate to the topic 8. Slow down your voice-overs and narriation-speaking too fast can cause confusio and speed up your film. Judges want to hear all you have to say on film 9. If possible, include an interview with an expert on the topic- a museum docent, an author of a book, a tour guide, a profesor of the topic, etc. 10. Remember to use primary sources- letters, diaries, photogrpahs, maps, autobiographies   Performances 1. Please avoid encouraging students to add props! The last thing anyone needs is more "stuff" filling the halls, eliminate the stress of setting up props! 2. Encourage students to put their efforts into good research and presentation rather into props 3. Remember all time restraints! You will be marked down by the judges for going over the allotted time slot 4. Media Devices such as slides, tape recorders, computers and other media devices may be used as an accompaniment or to supplement the live performance 5. All students from the group must run all equiptment involved in the performance